1.- JUSTIFICATION OF THE SOLUTION

1.a. Functional and formal aspect

0.- The environment

The plot location affects not only its own aspect and structure, but  also its more or less immediate environment. 

The plot is located in the oldest  urban area with a peculiar structure and loaded with personality. The streets are narrow, mostly pedestrian, with little squares that enrich walk routes. 
 

I.- The building.- Organizing scheme.

Scheme organized around a central significant core, operating along the interior routes as a constant point of reference. 

The central yard, main character of the architectural discourse operates as a basic element for the internal organisation and as a constant reference of its unity. 

The yard organises the perimetral spaces around it, and they communicate through an attached footway cantilever and a service stair to the upper floors. 

The stairs are in a so-called "service" block in the dividing part of the building. 
 

II.- The building.- Exterior

All its sides are a big plane in order to avoid the conflict with the strong presence of the Church. Only the two main façades are perforated by a huge void, as a reference to its representative character. 

The main façades are solved on the ground floor with a portico, protecting access to the reception hall and extending the public external area in contact with the building.

The closure is to be plaqued around the outer part of the building, seeking a chromatic and texture adaptation with the Church's wrapping. 

The more "inside" level of the façade where the Major is, is treated by a combination of big window and the sapele wood cladding, seeking the warm inside and the representation of its function. 

The ceiling of the entrance portico and the front area are cladded with the same sort of wood. 
 

III.- The building.- Interior

In order to give a response to the building's organizing scheme, introverted, autonomous and unified, and conscious that the building will have a global reading inside, the yard walls are treated as façades. 
 
 

IV.- Conclusion

This project develops around a central yard -considering possible future changes in its use along time- intending to maintain the main reference, basic element of its architecture.

Users find an order in the shapes open to the yard. 
 
 

Lleida, November 11th 1999
 
 

Salvador Giné i Macià